The lost city of Alcaya

Departure from the city of La Paz early in the morning for a full day's drive. We'll have lunch in Oruro or Challapata. On the way, we can admire the Jayucota crater, near the village of Quillacas, formed by a meteorite. We'll also pass through the town of Salinas de Garci Mendoza, the Quinoa capital of the world, just before arriving in Alcaya. Settle into the hostel run by the community. In the late afternoon, you can go for a walk accompanied by the community's llamas. Afterwards, enjoy a meal and a night of culture, traditional music, local dance and legends of the region.

After breakfast, you will set off to discover the ruins of the lost city of Alcaya, founded by the Chullpas people. You'll stroll through these impressive ruins and, in a sumptuous setting, you'll see the many bones and mummies of the city's former inhabitants, as well as some period artefacts. On the way back, you can visit the community's small museum. After lunch in the community hostel, we'll go for a walk in the quinoa fields and learn how it is grown, harvested, prepared and eaten, as well as its history... Quinoa was essential to many pre-Columbian civilisations. You will then continue your journey towards the Salar de Uyuni, or Jirira for example, just a few dozen kilometres away.